I’ve always been a fan of the original Toxie and of Troma’s particular brand of chaotic, low-budget brilliance, so when I heard there was a new version of The Toxic Avenger on the way—with some surprisingly big names in the cast—I was cautiously optimistic. Could it possibly capture the anarchic energy of the originals while also delivering something fresh for today’s audiences? After finally seeing it, I can say that it didn’t let me down.
I caught it at the Cineworld Secret Screaming, and while the reveal wasn’t a massive shock to anyone paying attention to the rumours, it still felt like a fun surprise. More importantly, the screening itself was a blast. There’s something about seeing a film like this with a crowd that really leans into the humour, gasps at the gore, and laughs in all the right (and wrong) places. That kind of communal energy feels very in line with the Troma spirit, even if this film is slicker and bigger-budget than Lloyd Kaufman ever had to work with.
As for the film itself, it balances reverence for the source material with a knowing wink to its cult legacy. The gore is plentiful, gleefully over-the-top in a way that never tips into being unpleasant but still gives horror fans their money’s worth. Limbs fly, blood sprays, and yet it’s all presented with a cartoonish energy that fits the absurd story of an unlikely hero mutated into a monster. The laughs come thick and fast, too, whether from slapstick gags, grotesque visual jokes, or the sheer ridiculousness of some of the set pieces.
The cast deserves a lot of credit here. The big names clearly aren’t slumming it; they seem to be having genuine fun chewing through the material. That enthusiasm translates on screen, making even the most bizarre moments feel oddly charming. Toxie himself is handled with a mix of grotesque design and a surprising amount of heart, just like in the original. Beneath all the slime and sludge, he’s still a weirdly lovable hero.
Is this version going to win over everyone? Probably not. The same things that make it fun—its commitment to gross-out humour, its unapologetically camp tone—are also the things that will turn some viewers off. But if you’re already a fan of Troma or cult cinema in general, this is an easy recommendation.
Does The Toxic Avenger Have a Post-Credits Scene
Yes, The Toxic Avenger does have a post-credit scene, so don’t rush out when the credits roll. Stick around for a post-credits scene featuring the Toxic Avenger himself offering up some unexpected cooking tips. It’s a silly little extra, but perfectly in keeping with the irreverent tone of the film. A fitting end to a gloriously messy night at the movies.
